I was commissioned by ArtsWA, on behalf of the Washington State National Guard, to draw and fabricate a 25-foot tall installation for their new National Guard Readiness Center in Olympia. It took a full year to develop and create “Citizen Soldiers.“  Its plaque reads: Citizen Soldiers is about honoring the balance of priorities and dedication that each Guardsmen must find in their own life; the demands of domestic and career commitments, military training and readiness, and ultimately service in the field for their fellow citizens. Intentionally, there’s a lot to look at in this piece, just as there's a lot to appreciate in each Citizen Soldier’s life.

I took a big risk with this piece. This guard branch focuses on artillery, and they love cannons. But in answer to the initial challenge to “capture the life of a guardsmen,” I focused on the family instead. The symbolic home stands boldly in front of a background of training and guns, even the American flag on the wall is more a quiet wallpaper than bold ensign. The imagery rising above everything concerns the service component, the firefighting, and flood rescue. When I presented the concept, the room went quiet, everyone waiting for the Colonel's response. Silence.

Finally, there was a big thumbs up. I still get messages from soldiers thanking me for displaying all aspects of their lives.

Perhaps you recognize the life-size drawings of Dan and Erika with their children, Lucas and Olivia. Olivia, then about six, always wondered, “Why is he taking pictures of us while we eat?“